"Our report recognises that there is widespread support for removing redundant regulation and costly red tape.

"But the problem many people will have with part one of this bill, as drafted, is that it provides ministers with a wide and general power that could be used to repeal amend or replace almost any primary legislation.

Departments blamed

"That can't be right. We need extra safeguards," he said.

The committee also blamed government departments themselves for the need to introduce the new laws.

Mr Miller added: "Our report demonstrates that the current parliamentary procedures are not responsible for delaying regulatory reform orders.

"Our evidence shows that departments themselves are slow in identifying the unnecessary regulations, in bringing the proposals for orders to Parliament and in making the orders once Parliament has made its recommendation on individual reforms."

He said the government should accept the need for departments to be "assessed annually on their progress in removing unnecessary regulations".

Cabinet Office Minister Jim Murphy said the government would consider the recommendations "carefully".

"The Bill is a response to repeated calls on Government to tackle red tape from sources as diverse as small businesses, industry leaders, charities and voluntary organisations, frontline public sector staff, and the opposition parties.

"We recognise the need to get the balance between powers and protections right - and that effective parliamentary scrutiny is essential. We will listen carefully to the views of Parliament and seek its support in achieving the right balance."